Hobbit guide says fired for union stance

Relevant offers

An Actors’ Equity member says he was been fired as a tour guide after allegedly making a derogatory comment about filming of The Hobbit, Radio New Zealand reports.

Todd Rippon told the broadcaster he made no such comment and his role with the union was the real reason he was fired by Rover Tours Ltd.

Rippon said he always kept his union role separate from his job as a tour guide.

He told Radio NZ that a staff member from Absolutely Positively Wellington Tourism claimed Rippon, who was escorting international journalists in town for The Hobbit premiere, made the derogatory comment.

Rippon claimed when he confronted his employer he was told he could not work for the tour company while a member of the union.

Rover Tours owner Scott Courtney would not comment to Radio New Zealand, saying it was an employment matter.